Polygraph Tests

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – “I think you’re lying.” “No, I’m telling you the truth” “Oh yeah? You’ll have to take a lie detector test to prove it” – a conversation that falls into the category of “things NEVER to say to your employees”.

Fort Worth resident Mark Clark sued the Hyundai dealership claiming that the company, which was investigating a theft, required him to take a lie detector test and fired him when he refused. Like many employers who have tried to require employees to take a polygraph, I’m sure they thought: he will only refuse if he has something to hide. Or, possibly, if he knows his rights under the law, which, with a few exceptions, prohibits private employers from using lie detector tests, either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment.

So, if you are the employer and you suspect your employee has done something illegal, call the cops. You’re not Columbo, and you don’t want to be the one in the drama to have to call your lawyer.